Hand rail system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a knockdown hand rail assembly that is formed of both metal and plastic. The hand rail assembly is readily and easily assembled and disassembled. The hand rail assembly is maintenance free and requires no paint or other upkeep. The assembly can be used in many applications both indoor and out. The hand rail assembly includes at least two spaced apart vertical posts and at least two spaced apart horizontal rails removably engaged with the vertical posts. Each rail and post is surrounded by removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing having an interior diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the post or rail. Removable structural fittings interconnect the rails and posts.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/191,704, filed Mar. 23, 2000; and is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/394,595, filed Sep. 13, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 08/870,101, filed Jun. 5, 1998, the entirecontents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to a knock-down hand railsystem. More particularly, the present invention relates to a uniqueknock-down hand rail system for use both indoors and outdoors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The typical hand rail is formed of metal and susceptible toaffects of weather or other environmental conditions causing the rail torust and deteriorate. A disadvantage of these metal rails is that suchrails require regular upkeep such as painting to prevent rust orcomplete replacement when the metal rusts away.

[0004] To overcome this, galvanized steel has been used to avoid rustand hopefully, eliminate regular upkeep. A disadvantage of galvanizedsteel is that the sheen is too bright and is distracting when used inenvironments such as auditoriums or stadiums.

[0005] A still further disadvantage of both the metal and galvanizedsteel hand rail systems is that their assembly is of a permanent nature.That is, once the rail structure is assembled, the rail is permanentlyfixed at that location in that configuration.

[0006] There is a need for fence or barrier assemblies to support apanel, such as a sheet of glass, perforated metal, or steel mesh. Suchan assembly can be used to protect equipment, prevent personnel fromfalling through an opening or over a ledge, and to block passage ofunwanted materials or objects. U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,993 to Mitchell, Jr.et al. shows a protection screen that includes a plurality of screenpanels and is self-supporting. This screen has limited utility, lacks aheavy-duty steel support frame surrounding the panel, does not providefor interchange of panels, and does not have a sheathing or covering toprotect a support frame. U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,214 to Berretta discloses abarrier with a tubular frame and an extruded sheet-like element shapedinto a closed loop that may be fitted over the tubular frame. Thisbarrier also has limited utility, is not adjustably configurable, andlacks sheathing on the tubular members. The panels also are shrink-fitto the frame making interchangeability difficult. U.S. Pat. No.5,967,089 to Alan discloses a lightweight, collapsible, hinged fencingstructure that includes multiple rectangular panels that are hingedlyinterconnected. Each panel consists of a plastic tubular frame with alightweight polymeric sheet supported by the frame. This structure againhas a limited utility and is not flexibly configurable. The plasticframe also lacks the requisite strength for application where a steelframe is required. U.S. Pat. No. 4,841,967 to Hogg et al. discloses aglass panel mounting assembly that forms a glass barrier with a rail atthe top edge. The glass panel forms a decorative barrier that lacks therequisite strengths for many applications. It is not flexiblyconfigurable, and lacks a steel surrounding frame. In light of theabove, there remains a need for a barrier assembly that is adjustablyconfigurable, has steel frame members interconnected with one another,and a plastic sheathing over the rails, and supports a panel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a knock-down hand rail assemblythat is formed of both metal and plastic. The hand rail assembly isreadily and easily assembled and disassembled. The hand rail ismaintenance free and requires no paint or other upkeep.

[0008] The assembly of the present invention can be used in manyapplications both indoor and out. The hand rail assembly can readily beassembled anywhere. The assembly can also readily be disassembled toform a different hand rail structure configuration or to add more railsto the structure. Further, the hand rail can be readily disassembled tochange the plastic for the purpose of changing colors of the rail oradding/subtracting signage provided on the structure. This isadvantageous when using the invention in an auditorium setting. Theability to color code railings with seating makes it easier on attendeesto find their seats during a game or show. The knock down hand railassembly of the present invention includes at least two spaced apartvertical rails and at least two base supports for supporting thevertical rails in an upright position. Alternatively, the vertical railsmay be supported by the ground using standard coring procedures. Atleast two spaced apart horizontal rails are provided and removablyengaged with the vertical rails. These horizontal rails are preferablypositioned above the base supports. Each vertical and horizontal rail issurrounded by removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing. Thepolymerized sheathing has an interior diameter equal to or greater thanthe outer diameter of each rail. Slip-on structural fittings areprovided to removably engage the horizontal rails to the vertical rails.In other preferred embodiments, a plurality of vertical and horizontalrails surrounded by polymerized sheathing and engaged by slip-onstructural fittings can be used.

[0009] In yet other preferred embodiments of the present invention,vertical and horizontal posts or rails form a perimeter frame and definea framed area. An infill panel is supported in the framed area. Theinfill panel may be a sheet of glass or polymer, steel mesh, orperforated steel. In some versions, slip-on structural fittings engageand removably interconnect the horizontal and vertical rails. Clips orbrackets interconnect to the infill panel with the vertical andhorizontal rails. In other embodiments, slip-in structural fittings areprovided that have one end that engages the inner diameter of ahorizontal or vertical rail, and another end that mounts to the side ofanother rail. These and other objects, advantages and features of thisinvention will become apparent upon review of the followingspecification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hand rail assembly of thepresent invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the handrail assembly of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment ofthe hand rail assembly of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 5 illustrates, from an oblique perspective, an alternativeembodiment of the invention including a mesh infill;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a close-up detail of the corner of the assembly of FIG.5;

[0016]FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative way of forming U-channelsaccording to the invention to ensure that there are no gaps in theinfill;

[0017]FIG. 8 illustrates the use of clips as opposed to full-lengthchannels, and an alternative corner gap-filling corner configuration;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of abarrier assembly with an infill panel according to the presentinvention;

[0019]FIG. 10 is an end view of the barrier assembly of FIG. 9;

[0020]FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the barrier assembly ofFIG. 9;

[0021]FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the barrier assembly of FIG. 9;

[0022]FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the barrier assembly of FIG. 9;

[0023]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a barrierassembly with an infill panel according to the present invention,utilizing an alternative slip-in structural fitting;

[0024]FIG. 15 is an end view of the barrier assembly of FIG. 14;

[0025]FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the barrier assembly ofFIG. 14;

[0026]FIG. 17 is top plan view of the barrier assembly of FIG. 14;

[0027]FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the barrier assembly of FIG. 14;

[0028]FIG. 19 is a detailed end view of one embodiment of a clip forholding an infill panel for a barrier assembly according the presentinvention;

[0029]FIG. 20 is a detailed perspective view of a slip-in structuralfitting interconnecting a horizontal and vertical rail;

[0030]FIG. 21 is a detailed perspective view of another slip-instructural fitting interconnecting a horizontal and vertical rail, alongwith an end cap closing the end of a horizontal rail;

[0031]FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of ahorizontal and vertical rail along with a slip-in structural fitting;and

[0032]FIG. 23 is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of aslip-in structural fitting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a knock down hand rail system 10is thereshown. In this first preferred embodiment, at least two spacedapart vertical rails 12, 14 are provided and supported in an uprightposition by base supports 16, 18. These base supports 16, 18 provideremovable and replaceable support with the ground 20 and are preferablysecured to the ground 20 by bolts 22. Alternatively, the hand railassembly can be cored to the ground for support.

[0034] The hand rail assembly of the present invention also includes atleast two spaced apart horizontal rails 24, 26 removably engaged withvertical rails 12, 14 and positioned above base supports 16, 18.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, vertical rails 12, 14 are surrounded byremovable and replaceable polymerized sheathing 28, 30. This sheathing28, 30 preferably slip fits about vertical rails 12, 14 and has aninterior diameter equal to or greater than the exterior diameter ofvertical rails 12, 14. This aspect of the invention will be described ingreater detail below.

[0036] As with vertical rails 12, 14, corresponding horizontal rails 24,26 are also surrounded by polymerized sheathing 32, 34 respectively.Additionally, this polymerized sheathing has an interior diameter thatis equal to or greater than the exterior diameter of horizontal rails24, 26. As stated above, this slip fit of the polymerized sheathing 32,34 about horizontal rails 24, 26 will be described in detail later.

[0037] Slip-on structural fittings 36, 40 are provided to removablyengage horizontal rails 24, 26 to each other and to vertical rails 12,14. These slip-on structural fittings are preferably Hollaenderstructural fittings manufactured by The Hollaender ManufacturingCompany, Cincinnati, Ohio. T-shaped slip-on structural fitting 36 may beprovided to join horizontal rail 24 to horizontal rail 26 and include anextra opening for additional vertical rails if desired. T-shaped slip-onstructural fitting 36 removably engages horizontal rails 24, 26 andpolymerized sheathing 32, 34 by set screws 38.

[0038] L-shaped Hollaender slip-on structural fittings 40 removablyengage horizontal rails 24, 26 to vertical rails 12, 14. L-shapedslip-on structural fittings 40 removably secure the rails to each otherby set screws 42.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 3, each slip-on structural fittingprovided to removably secure the knockdown hand rail system 10 of thepresent invention typically includes a structural fitting 40 forsecuring horizontal rail 24 with polymerized sheathing 32 to verticalrail 14 with polymerized sheathing 30. More specifically, interiordiameter 44 of polymerized sheathing 32 is equal to or greater thanexterior diameter 46 of horizontal rail 24. Additionally, interiordiameter 48 of L-shaped slip-on fitting 40 is equal to or greater thanthe exterior diameter 50 of polymerized sheathing 32. Set screw 42 ispreferably a counter bore knurled cup point set screw that securelyfastens L-shape slip-on fitting 40 through polymerized sheathing 32 ontohorizontal rail 24. This structural assembly is typical of all rails,polymerized sheathing, and slip-on fittings of the present invention.

[0040] In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, athird vertical rail 52 may be provided therewith. Vertical rail 52 isalso preferably surrounded by polymerized sheathing 54 having aninterior diameter equal to or greater than the exterior diameter ofvertical rail 52. Vertical rail 52 is typically provided with basesupport 56 for supporting vertical rail 52 in an upright position. Basesupport 56 may be secured to the ground 20 by bolts 22 as typicallyshown in base supports 16, 18.

[0041] Vertical rail 52 with polymerized sheathing 54 may be providedwith a cross-shaped slip-on structural fitting 70 for supportingadditional horizontal rails 58, 60. These horizontal rails 58, 60 arealso preferably surrounded by polymerized sheathing 62, 64 respectively.As with all polymerized sheathing of the present invention, polymerizedsheathing 62, 64 has an interior diameter equal to or greater than theexterior diameter of horizontal rails 58, 60. Cross-shaped slip-onstructural fitting 70 removably secures horizontal rails 58, 60 withpolymerized sheathing 62, 64 to third vertical rail 52 with polymerizedsheathing 54 by set screws 72. Horizontal rails 58, 60 with polymerizedsheathing 62, 64 are secured to vertical rails 12, 14 with polymerizedsheathing 28, 30 by T-shaped slip-on structural fittings 66 with setscrews 68.

[0042] Proper assembly of the preferred present invention is as follows.Vertical rails 12, 14, 52 are spaced apart and supported in an uprightposition by base supports 16, 18, 56. These base supports are removablysecured to the ground 20 by any mechanical means such as bolts 22.Removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing 28, 30, 54 is preferablyslip-fit about corresponding vertical rails 12, 14, 52. T-shaped slip-onstructural fittings 66 are slipped over polymerized sheathing 28, 30 tobe secured and positioned later.

[0043] Horizontal rails 24, 26 are provided therewith and surrounded bycorresponding polymerized sheathing 32, 34. One end of each horizontalrail is secured to L-shaped slip-on fitting 40 by a corresponding setscrew 42. The opposite end of horizontal rails 24, 26 with correspondingpolymerized sheathing 32, 34 is secured to a T-shaped slip-on fitting 36by corresponding set screws 38. The entire removably secured structureof these horizontal rails is then placed atop corresponding verticalrails 12, 14, 52 with polymerized sheathing 28, 30, 54 respectively.Remaining set screws 38, 42 removably attach the horizontal railstructure to the vertical rail structure. Lastly, horizontal rails 58,60 are surrounded by polymerized sheathing 62, 64 respectively. Eachhorizontal rail 58, 60 with corresponding polymerized sheathing 62, 64are removably secured between vertical rails 12, 14, 52 withcorresponding polymerized sheathing 28, 30, 54 by slip-on structuralfittings 66, 70. Set screws 68, 72 removably engage these additionalhorizontal rails to the vertical rails at any point along the verticalrails.

[0044] An alternative embodiment of the present invention involvesextension and bending of vertical rails 28, 30 to form horizontal rail34, as shown in FIG. 4. That is, inner frame vertical rail 12, 14 isslip-fit into corresponding polymerized sheathing 28, 30 and is thenbent to create a rounded corner and thereby extend into a horizontalrail. In this way, Hollaender fittings 40 would be eliminated andhorizontal rails 24, 26 with corresponding polymerized sheathing 32, 34would be replaced by extended vertical rails 12, 14 with polymerizedsheathing 28, 30 to meet at Hollaender fittings 36. In an extendedversion of this preferred embodiment, Hollaender fitting 36 may beprovided to simply support vertical rail 52 with polymerized sheathing54 to the singularly extended vertical rail 12 with correspondingsheathing 28. In this embodiment, vertical rail 12 would then extend toform both exterior vertical rails 12, 14 and horizontal rails 24, 26. Asingular unit of polymerized sheathing would also extend about thesingular rail and be bent to form rounded corners at the upper edges.

[0045] Alternative embodiments of the present invention may involve theuse of only one top horizontal rail or several horizontal and verticalrails extending to create an elongated hand rail assembly 10. It wasenvisioned that each vertical rail will be removably supported to theground by a base or structure if necessary. Additional base structuresare also shown in FIG. 4. Moreover, each additional horizontal rail ispreferably supported to the vertical rails by Hollaender slip-onstructural fittings conforming to any shape necessary to create theoverall structural shape of the hand rail assembly of the presentinvention. That is, the hand rail of the present invention may extendlinearly, triangularly, circularly, or any other shape that mayreasonably be configured. Moreover, each rail, vertical and horizontal,shall preferably be surrounded by polymerized sheathing having aninterior diameter that is equal to or greater than the exterior diameterof the corresponding rail.

[0046]FIG. 5 illustrates, from a perspective view, an alternativeembodiment of the invention generally at 102 including an infilldisposed between the horizontal and vertical sheathing-covered rails 30and 34. Although the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate theuse of a mesh panel 106 received by continuous channels 104, it isreadily apparent that the arrangement is conducive to the use of othertypes of infills, including clear and opaque plastics, glass, and meshesand perforated sheets having apertures of any scale, depending upon theapplication.

[0047]FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the way in which the channels 104attach to the rails 30 and 34, and the way in which infill 106 isreceived thereby. Preferably, a plurality of spaced-apart self-tappingfasteners 105 are used to adhere the U-channels 104 to the members asshown. Since the fasteners 105 must go through the U-channel material,sheathing and wall of the associated rail, it may be advisable topredrill holes for each fastener, as the case may be. Although thematerial used for the infill may not include a finished edge,particularly when mesh panels are used, it is preferable to have aperipheral seam 108 to provide a more finished look. In terms ofmaterials, the U-channels 104 are preferably constructed of some type ofcorrosion-resistant metal such as aluminum, though other types of metalsand even non-metals may be used, so long as they are of sufficientstrength and durability.

[0048] To fill the triangular gap which would otherwise be left due tothe difference in height between the sheath covered rails andcorner/T-assemblies 40 and 46, a configuration such as that depicted inFIG. 7 may alternatively be utilized. In this case, the U-channels 112include relieved areas 114 such that, when assembled, a cleaner fullcorner appearance is achieved. In such a case, an infill having a squarecorner may be used, such as mesh screen 120 having a finishedsquared-off corner 122.

[0049]FIG. 8 illustrates certain additional alternative configurationsaccording to the invention, which may be used independently or incombination with other arrangements described herein. For example, inplace of a continuous U-channel, clips 140 may alternatively be used,particularly if the edge of the infill is peripherally finished orotherwise continuous. As a further option, the edge of the infill may bescalloped, as shown at 150. With such a shaped configuration, which maybe used with clips or a continuous U-channel, the triangularly shapedgap shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 would be filled without having to grind orotherwise modify the U-channel or clip members.

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, an additional embodiment of a knockdown hand rail system according to the present invention is generallyshown at 200. The hand rail system has a pair of spaced apart verticalrails 202 and 204, each covered with a polymerized sheathing, aspreviously described. An upper rail 206 extends horizontally between theupper ends of the vertical posts 202 and 204 and is also covered with aremovable and replaceable polymerized sheathing. Slip-on structuralfittings 208 and 210 interconnect the ends of the upper rail 206 withthe upper ends of the vertical posts 202 and 204, respectively. A lowerrail 212 extends horizontally between the vertical posts 202 and 204 andis covered with a polymerized sheathing. It is interconnected at itsends with the vertical posts 202 and 204 using T-shaped slip-onstructural fittings 214 and 216, respectively. The T-shaped fittings 214and 216 may be moved upwardly and downwardly so as to change the spacingbetween the lower rail 212 and the upper rail 206. Though not shown, thestructural fittings 208, 210, 214, 216 preferably includes screws orbolts that allow the fittings to grip the vertical and horizontal railsto which they connect. Preferably, the screws or bolts do not penetratethe polymerized sheathing or the rails or posts.

[0051] The vertical posts 202 and 204 and the upper and lower rails 206and 212 together define a perimeter frame with a framed area 218 definedtherein. The framed area has a top edge defined by the upper rail 206, alower edge defined by the lower rail 212, and sides defined by thevertical post 202 and 204. An infill member or panel 220 is supported inthe framed area. As previously discussed, the infill member or panel 220may be any of a variety of materials including a glass, polymer, orperforated steel or plastic sheet, or a steel or fiberglass mesh. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the panel 220 is a piece of steel orplastic with perforations. The panel 220 is supported in the framed areaby a variety of clips 222. Each clip 222 grips an edge of the panel 220and interconnects with one of the posts or rails. The illustrated infillpanel 220 may be eliminated in some applications, with the verticalposts and horizontal rails acting as a hand rail.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower ends of the verticalposts 202 and 204 extend downwardly below the underside of the lowerrail 212. This design is configured so that the lower ends of thevertical post 202 and 204 fit into holes in a support surface.Alternatively, support members may be attached to the lower ends of thevertical posts 202 and 204.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 14-18, another embodiment of a knock downhand rail system with an infill panel according to the present inventionis generally shown at 230. The hand rail system 230 is similar to theprevious embodiments, and includes a pair of vertical posts 232 and 234,an upper rail 236 extending between the upper ends of the vertical post232 and 234, and a lower rail 238 positioned below the upper rail 236and also extending between the vertical posts 232 and 234. Thisembodiment differs from the prior embodiment in that the infill panel240 is a sheet of glass or plastic, support members 242 and 245 engagethe lower ends of the vertical post 232 and 234, respectively, and, mostimportantly, a different type of structural fitting is used tointerconnect the rails and posts.

[0054] As with the previous embodiment, clips 246 interconnect theinfill panel 240 with the rails and posts. FIG. 19 shows an end view ofa clip 246. A clip 246 in FIG. 19 is oriented as are the clips thatinterconnect the infill panel with the upper rail 236 in FIG. 14. Inthis orientation, the clip 246 has an upper end 248 that is radiused soas to mate with the outer radius of the polymerized sheathingsurrounding the upper rail 236. A bolt or screw, not shown passesthrough a bore 250 in the upper end and engages the upper rail 236. Thelower end 252 of the clip has a slot-like opening 254 that accepts theedge of the infill panel 240. The width of the slot 254 depends on thethickness of the panel 240. Alternatively, the clip may be madeadjustable to accommodate variations in thickness of infill panels, orthe slot 254 may be lined to improve the engagement between the clip andpanel. For example, a glass panel may require a rubberized lining in theclips to avoid chipping the edges of the glass.

[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 20-23, the alternative structural fittingused with the hand rail system of FIGS. 14-18 will be described in moredetail. FIG. 20 is a detailed view of one of the lower comers of thehand rail system of FIG. 14 showing the support member 242 supportingthe lower end of vertical post 232 which extends upwardly from thesupport member 242. The horizontal lower rail 238 is interconnected withthe vertical post 232 just above the support member 242 using astructural fitting 260. The structural fitting 260 differs from theprevious slip-on structural fitting in that it is a much more flushdesign.

[0056]FIG. 22 shows an exploded view of an interconnection similar tothat of FIG. 20. A portion of vertical post 232 is shown with structuralfitting 260 engaged to its side. The structural fittings may be orientedin various positions. However, for ease of description, the fitting 260will be described in the orientation illustrated, with such terms asleft and right being arbitrary. The fitting 260 has a base 262 at itsleft end and engagement members 264 at its right end. The base 262 hasan end surface that is radiused so as to mate with the outer surface ofthe sheathing covering the vertical post 232. A bore, not shown, passesthrough the base 262. A bolt or screw 268 passes through this bore andengages the vertical post 232. The bolt or screw 268 may beself-threading, or may require that a hole be drilled and/or tapped inthe post 232. The bolt 268 engages the hole in the post 232 and bringsthe radiused end surface 266 of the base 262 into firm contact with theside of the post 232. Engagement members 264 extend rightwardly out ofthe base 262. The engagement members 264 include a pair of engagementfingers 270 and 272. Each finger 270 and 272 has a semi-arcuate outerprofile configured to engage the interior diameter of the lower rail238. As illustrated, the rail 238 has an inner steel rail 274 and apolymerized sheathing 276 surrounding the rail 274. The steel rail 274has an inner diameter. The fingers 270 and 272 engage this innerdiameter. The fingers 270 and 272 may be tapered or shaped so as to be apress fit into the rail 274, or may slide easily thereinto. A bolt orscrew 278 interconnects the lower rail 238 with the fingers 270 and 272.In one embodiment, a hole 280 is provided in the lower finger 270. Thelower rail 238 is slid onto the fingers 270 and 272. A hole is thendrilled through the combination of the rail 274 and sheathing 276 sothat the screw 278 can engage the hole 280. Alternatively, the screw maybe self-tapping and make its own hole in the sheathing 276, rail 274,and/or the finger 270. The holes may also be pre-drilled in the ends ofthe rail 238. For some applications, a screw or bolt may not be requiredto maintain assembly of the hand rail. A press fit may be sufficient oradhesives may be used to interconnect the rail to the fitting. Asanother alternative, the screw 278 may engage the hole 280 in the lowerfinger 270 and, when sufficiently tightened, press against the upperfinger 272, thereby spreading the fingers 270 and 272 apart so as tosecurely engage the inner diameter of the rail 274. Referring again toboth FIGS. 20 and 22, it can be seen that the base 262 of the fitting260 has an outer diameter similar to the outer diameter of the sheath276 of the rail 238 so that, when assembled, the fitting 260 and thelower rail 238 have flush outer diameters giving a very pleasingappearance.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 21, a detailed view of an upper corner ofthe hand rail system of FIGS. 14-18 is shown. The upper end of one ofthe vertical posts 234 is shown interconnected with one end of the upperrail 236 using another slip-in structural fitting 290. The slip-instructural fitting 290 is the same as shown in FIG. 22, though theorientation has been changed. An end cap 292 is also provided thatcloses the open end of the upper rail 236 where it extends beyond theupper end of the vertical post 234 and the fitting 290.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 23, alternative structural fitting 294 isshown. The fitting 294 is again a slip-in fitting, but is designed toform a corner without the need for the end cap 292 shown in FIG. 21.Instead, the fitting 294 has a first pair of fingers 296 extending in afirst direction and a second set of fingers 298 extending in a seconddirection, with the second direction positioned at 90 degrees to thefirst direction. As will be clear to those of skill in the art, otherslip-in structural fittings may be provided, such as T-shaped fittings,or fittings that support any number of structural members at any numberof angles. As a further alternative, a T-shaped fitting may be providedwith the leg of the T including slip-in fingers while the “top” of the Tis a slip-on structural fitting. This combines the benefits of theslip-on and slip-in fittings. It gives a flush appearance between thefitting and a member that extends in one direction, but allowsadjustment where the “top” of the T engages another member. Any of theseslip-in fittings may be used in any embodiments of the presentinvention.

[0059] The above description is considered that of the preferredembodiment only. Modifications of the invention may occur to those ofordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it is understood that theembodiments shown in the drawing and described above are merely forillustration purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A knockdown hand rail system comprising: at least two spacedapart vertical posts; at least two spaced apart horizontal railsremovably engaged with the vertical posts; removable and replaceablepolymerized sheathing surrounding each of the vertical posts, thesheathing having an interior diameter equal to or greater than the outerdiameter of the vertical posts and extending the height of the posts;removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing surrounding each of thehorizontal rails, the sheathing having an interior diameter equal to orgreater than the outer diameter of the horizontal rails and extendingthe length of said horizontal rails; and slip-on structural fittingsremovably interconnecting the horizontal rails with the vertical posts,each fitting having a securing mechanism engaging the rails or the postswithout penetrating the polymerized sheathing.
 2. The hand rail systemas defined in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the fittings comprises aT-shaped member having a hollow interior, each leg of the T-shapedmember having an interior profile identical to the exterior profile ofthe horizontal rails and the vertical posts, the interior profile havinga diameter equal to or greater than the exterior diameter of thepolymerized sheathing surrounding each of the horizontal rails and thevertical posts.
 3. The hand rail system as defined in claim 1 , whereinat least one of the fittings comprises an L-shaped member having ahollow interior, each leg of the L-shaped member having an interiorprofile identical to the exterior profile of the horizontal rails andthe vertical posts, the interior profile having a diameter equal to orgreater than the exterior diameter of the polymerized sheathingsurrounding each of the horizontal rails and the vertical posts.
 4. Thehand rail system as defined in claim 1 , further comprising: a thirdvertical post, the horizontal rails being removably engaged with thethird vertical post; and removable and replaceable polymerized sheathingsurrounding the third vertical post, the sheathing having an interiordiameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the verticalpost and extending the height of the post.
 5. The hand rail system asdefined in claim 1 , wherein the spaced-apart vertical posts and thespaced-apart horizontal rails define a framed area, the system furtherincluding an infill panel having an area which substantially consumesthe framed area; the panel being mounted in the framed area.
 6. The handrail system as defined in claim 5 , further comprising one or moresections of U-channel affixed to each of the vertical posts and thehorizontal rails for mounting the infill panel.
 7. The hand rail systemas defined in claim 5 , wherein the infill panel is a mesh screen. 8.The hand rail system as defined in claim 5 , wherein the infill panel isa solid panel.
 9. A hand rail assembly comprising a perimeter framecomposed of steel tubing covered with plastic sheathing, the perimeterframe surrounding a framed area; an infill panel disposed in the framedarea such that the panel is surrounded by the perimeter frame.
 10. Ahand rail assembly comprising: a p air of spaced apart vertical postseach having a lower end and an upper end, the lower ends beingconfigured to engage a support surface; an upper rail extending betweenthe upper ends of the vertical posts; a lower rail extending between thevertical posts and positioned below the upper rail; plastic sheathingsurrounding each of the vertical posts and the upper and lower rails;the vertical posts and the rails together defining a perimeter framehaving a framed area defined therein, the framed area having a top edgedefined by the upper rail, a lower edge defined by the lower rail, andsides defined by the vertical members; and an infill panel supported inthe framed area.
 11. The hand rail assembly according to claim 10 ,further comprising structural fittings interconnecting the rails withthe posts, at least one of the structural fittings comprising a slip-infitting having a base with a radiused end surface matching the outerdiameter of the plastic sheathing on one of the posts or rails, thefitting further having an engagement member extending from the base, theengagement member configured to engage the inner diameter of one of theposts or rails.
 12. The hand rail assembly according to claim 11 ,wherein the structural fitting further comprises a connector operable toconnect the fitting to one of the posts or rails such that the endsurface mates with the outer diameter of the post or rail.
 13. The handrail assembly according to claim 1 1, wherein the base of the structuralfitting has an outer diameter substantially the same as the outerdiameter of the plastic sheathing on the rails.
 14. The hand rail systemaccording to claim 1 1, wherein the engagement member comprises a pairof engagement fingers shaped to fit into the inner diameter of the postor rail.
 15. The hand rail assembly according to claim 10 , furthercomprising structural fittings interconnecting the rails with the posts,at least one of the structural fittings comprising a slip-on fittinghaving an inner diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter ofthe plastic sheathing on the posts or rails.
 16. The hand rail assemblyaccording to claim 15 , wherein the structural fitting further comprisesa set screw operable to press against the plastic sheathing such thatthe fitting grips the sheathing and the post or rail without penetratingthe sheathing.
 17. A hand rail assembly with an infill panel,comprising: a pair of spaced apart vertical posts each having a lowerend and an upper end, the lower ends being configured to engage asupport surface, each of the posts having a height and an outsidediameter; replaceable polymerized sheathing surrounding each of theposts, the sheathing having an inner diameter equal to or greater thanthe outside diameter of the posts, the sheathing extending substantiallythe entire height of the posts; an upper rail extending between theupper ends of the vertical posts and releasably engaged to the upperends of the vertical posts, the upper rail having a length and anoutside diameter; a lower rail extending between the vertical posts andpositioned below the upper rail, the lower rail releasably engaged tothe vertical posts and having a length and an outside diameter;replaceable polymerized sheathing surrounding each of the rails, thesheathing having an inner diameter equal to or greater than the outsidediameter of the rails, the sheathing extending substantially the entirelength of the rails; the vertical posts and the rails together defininga perimeter frame having a framed area defined therein, the framed areahaving a top edge defined by the upper rail, a lower edge defined by thelower rail, and sides defined by the vertical posts; and an infill panelsupported in the framed area.
 18. The hand rail assembly according toclaim 17 , further comprising structural fittings interconnecting therails with the posts, at least one of the structural fittings comprisinga slip-in fitting having a base with a radiused end surface matching theouter diameter of the plastic sheathing on one of the posts or rails,the fitting further having an engagement member extending from the base,the engagement member configured to engage the inner diameter of one ofthe posts or rails.
 19. The hand rail assembly according to claim 18 ,wherein the structural fitting further comprises a connector operable toconnect the fitting to a post or rail such that the end surface mateswith the outer diameter of the post or rail.
 20. The hand rail assemblyaccording to claim 18 , wherein the base of the structural fitting hasan outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of theplastic sheathing on the rails.
 21. The hand rail system according toclaim 18 , wherein the engagement member comprises a pair of engagementfingers shaped to fit into the inner diameter of the post or rail.
 22. Ahand rail assembly comprising: a pair of spaced apart vertical postseach having a lower end and an upper end, the lower ends beingconfigured to engage a support surface; an upper rail extending betweenthe upper ends of the vertical posts; a lower rail extending between thevertical posts and positioned below the upper rail; plastic sheathingsurrounding each of the vertical posts and the upper and lower rails;structural fittings interconnecting each of the rails with the posts,each structural fitting comprising a base having a radiused end surfacematching the outer diameter of the plastic sheathing on one of thevertical posts, the base being connected to the post such that the endsurface mates with the outer diameter of the plastic sheathing, thefitting further comprising an engagement member extending from the baseand engaging the inner diameter of one of the rails.
 23. The hand railassembly according to claim 22 , wherein the base of the structuralfitting has an outer diameter substantially the same as the outerdiameter of the plastic sheathing on the rails.
 24. The hand rail systemaccording to claim 22 , wherein the engagement member comprises a pairof engagement fingers shaped to fit into the inner diameter of the postor rail.